One model verb
We will use чита́ть first-conjugation verb infinitive: to read as our model. We are learning only its singular present-tense forms in this lesson.
The ending follows the subject
The beginning of the verb stays recognizable. The ending changes to show who is doing the action: я́ subject pronoun first person singular , ты́ subject pronoun second person singular , or о́н subject pronoun third person singular masculine or она́ subject pronoun third person singular feminine .
| Subject | Ending | Model form | Plural |
|---|---|---|---|
| я́ subject pronoun first person singular | -ю | чита́ю first-conjugation verb present tense, first person singular: I read | •••••• |
| ты́ subject pronoun second person singular | -ешь | чита́ешь first-conjugation verb present tense, second person singular: you read | •••••• |
| о́н subject pronoun third person singular masculine | -ет | чита́ет first-conjugation verb present tense, third person singular: he reads | •••••• |
| она́ subject pronoun third person singular feminine | -ет | чита́ет first-conjugation verb present tense, third person singular: she reads | •••••• |
MemRussian teaches conjugation through real sentences. Choose the vocabulary you want to practice, then learn how each verb form behaves with its subject.
Keep the sentence small
Я́ subject pronoun first person singular чита́ю first-conjugation verb present tense, first person singular: I read .
Ма́ма feminine noun nominative singular: mother чита́ет first-conjugation verb present tense, third person singular: she reads .
Студе́нт masculine noun nominative singular: student чита́ет first-conjugation verb present tense, third person singular: he reads .
Your first win
You now know enough to make a tiny Russian sentence. Try each prompt before you open the answer. Notice how the subject changes the ending of the verb.
Choose the form of чита́ть
Complete each sentence with the form you just learned. Click a prompt when you are ready to reveal it.
1 Я́ subject pronoun first person singular ...
чита́ю first-conjugation verb present tense, first person singular: I read
2 Ты́ subject pronoun second person singular ...
чита́ешь first-conjugation verb present tense, second person singular: you read
3 Ма́ма feminine noun nominative singular: mother ...
чита́ет first-conjugation verb present tense, third person singular: she reads
That is real Russian already. Keep going and the next lesson will give you another pattern to recognize.